Franklin Heights is rebuilding on its industrial legacy
Today's Franklin Heights emerged from the remnants of A.O. Smith, a car frame manufacturer that drew many of its employees to the area for decades before closing in 2006. Those 84 acres of vacated industrial land tell the story of Franklin Heights' history, a legacy the city of Milwaukee is attempting to rebuild through the development of Century City Business Park, an industrial corridor for manufacturing companies. "Fixing up this neighborhood is a focus of this city," says Realtor Alex Chou, a Milwaukee local. "They're trying to bring jobs to the area and stitch the city back together again." Century City Business Park is actively expanding, an incentive to those looking for a home in Franklin Heights.
Compact homes with vintage charm and concrete walkways
Early 20th-century bungalows and wood-frame duplexes make up the vast majority of Franklin Heights. House prices typically stay below $100,000 with a few exceptions. These tightly spaced homes are separated by slender concrete walkways that adjoin the sidewalks to the back alleys where residents have access to private parking.
a former industrial site brings jobs and fresh food to the area
The industrial area that once held A.O. Smith — now Century City Business Park — is often an easy walking distance for many of the neighborhood's houses, though bus stops are dotted along the residential streets every few blocks. Century City Business Park tenants are creating job opportunities for Franklin Heights residents, jobs you'll have no trouble reaching thanks to seven major bus lines that all stop there. The number of tenants continues to grow, but currently includes the City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works, Good City Brewing Company and Hundred Acre, an urban farm working to solve food insecurity in Milwaukee. Fresh greens are grown here year-round inside a controlled environmental system without pesticides or GMOs, then sold to stores and restaurants throughout the city.
Dive bars, pizza joints and a vibrant marketplace nearby
Beyond the increasing number of amenities at Century City Business Park, you'll also find a few Franklin Heights staples. You can order a beer and basic bar eats at Warren's Lounge, which has been housed in an unassuming cinderblock building since 1970. Shoot pool while you sip a drink at Murray's Bar just down the block. For that late-night pizza craving, Pizza House is open until midnight most nights. A little further out, you’ll reach Milwaukee-favorite Sherman Phoenix Marketplace just four blocks away. A former BMO Harris Bank, once damaged by fire, was transformed into a multi-vendor shopping destination hosting small businesses-of-color. Here, you'll find something to eat at restaurants like Junior’s Smoked BBQ and Veggie Soul, clothes to buy at Queen’s Closet, pampering to be had by 9th Cloud Massage Therapy and much more.
Students explore wellness and leadership beyond class
Franklin Heights has several schools to choose from, including Benjamin Franklin catering to elementary and middle school students. Benjamin Franklin helps develop innovation skills to prepare the kids for high school and their future contributions to the community. Clubs like the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, along with health and wellness offerings, like yoga, provide students with methods of learning outside the classroom.
Parks honor local history while offering room to relax and play
For green space, check out Moody Park. This four-acre city park includes open fields bordered by a community garden and basketball courts. Or for something a little more low-key, kick back at Carter Park, a cute gap between blocks named after Dr. Lester Carter Jr. Carter, founder of one of the city's first Black-owned pharmacies before he passed away in 2022 at the age of 90. Whimsical sculptures at Carter Park spell out "Amani," — Swahili for “peace” and Arabic for “wishes”— an alternative name for Franklin Heights and a vibrant representation of this neighborhood's brightening trajectory forward.
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On average, homes in Franklin Heights, Milwaukee sell after 57 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Franklin Heights, Milwaukee over the last 12 months is $82,500, up 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Nestled on a quiet street in the Franklin Heights neighborhood of Milwaukee, this home has been waiting for you! This 1922 character-filled duplex features original touches and thoughtful updates throughout. Both units boast hardwood floors, charming built-ins, formal dining rooms, private entrances, and large windows to provide lots of natural light. This gem is close to Lucille Berrien Park,
Meagan LudwigKeller Williams Realty-Milwaukee North Shore
Discover character and opportunity in this single-family home with hardwood floors, built-in china cabinets, and generous living space. The main level offers two bedrooms and a full bath, while the upstairs includes a third bedroom plus a large open area. Kitchen with pantry, basement laundry hookups, fenced yard, and a two-car garage add convenience. Major updates include a newer roof, furnace,
Turn-key investment opportunity with this fully remodeled 3/3 duplex located at 3221 N 20th St in Milwaukee. Both units feature 3 spacious bedrooms, updated kitchens and baths, new flooring, fresh paint, and modern finishes throughout. Separate utilities make management easy and reduce overhead costs. With strong rental demand in the area, this property offers excellent cash flow potential and
Step into a home where original charm and character have stood the test of time. From the warmth of the woodwork to the inviting living and dining spaces, this home wraps you in a sense of belonging the moment you walk through the door. With two bedrooms and the flexibility to create a third, it's a space that grows with you. The basement is waiting for your updates and personal touch to bring it
Luvene Realty Group*Keller Williams Realty-Milwaukee North Shore
Leasing Agent Cece: - 2 Beds - 1 Bath - $50 monthly water bill back- Stove and fridge included - Sorry no pets - Washer and dryer included - Call or text Cece to set up a showing [Tier 3 Description]• 500 Minimum Credit Score• Combined net monthly income (take home pay) of 2.5 times the monthly rent• No open or ongoing judgements for money
Leasing Agent Victoria: - 5 Beds - 2 Baths - Stove and fridge included - Tenants are responsible for all utilities and lawn/snow - Laundry hookups - Call or text Victoria to set up a showing [Tier 3 Description]• 500 Minimum Credit Score• Combined net monthly income (take home pay) of 2.5 times the monthly rent• No open or ongoing judgements for
Leasing Agent Victoria: - 2 Beds- 1 Bath- Sorry no pets- Call or text Victoria to set up a showing • 500 Minimum Credit Score• Combined net monthly income (take home pay) of 2.5 times the monthly rent• No open or ongoing judgements for money in the last 2yrs totaling over $5k• No evictions filed in the last 2yr – regardless of outcome• No bankruptcies filed
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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
